8 Driving Mistakes You’re Making

If you think you’re a pretty good driver, think again. Chances are, you’re making at least one of these eight common driving mistakes. From failing to properly use your mirrors to not signaling when you should, these mistakes can cost you dearly—in money, in points on your license, and even in lives. So pay attention and make sure you’re not guilty of any of these driving faux pas.

1. Not Using Your Mirrors Properly

You should be checking your mirrors every five to eight seconds while you’re driving. That may seem like a lot, but it’s really not—and it could mean the difference between life and death. Checking your mirrors regularly will help you avoid accidents by giving you a better sense of what’s going on around you.

2. Not Signaling When You Should

One of the most basic rules of driving is that you should always signal when you’re turning or changing lanes. But far too many drivers fail to do this, often with disastrous results. signaling is not only a courtesy to other drivers, but it’s also the law—so make sure you’re doing it every time you turn or change lanes.

3. Speeding beyond the limits

This one should go without saying, but far too many drivers still speed—often excessively. Speeding not only increases your chances of getting into an accident, but it also significantly reduces your reaction time if something unexpected happens on the road ahead of you. So stick to the posted speed limit and save yourself the hassle (and the danger).

4. Tailgating

Tailgating, or following too closely behind the car in front of you, is extremely dangerous and one of the leading causes of accidents on our roads today. If the car in front of you suddenly brakes or makes a sudden manoeuvre, chances are good that you’ll rear-end them—and that’s not a situation anyone wants to be in. So give yourself (and the other driver) some space and don’t tailgate.

5. Not Yielding to Pedestrians

This one goes hand-in-hand with signalling—if there’s a pedestrian trying to cross the street, yield to them and let them go first. It’s simply courteous and shows that you’re paying attention to your surroundings. Failing to do so could result in an accident—and possibly a hefty fine if there’s a police officer nearby who witnessed the incident.

6 . Rolling Through Stop Signs

This is a mistake that far too many drivers make, especially at rural intersections where there isn’t much traffic around. Just because there aren’t any cars coming doesn’t mean it’s okay to roll through the stop sign—you still need to come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection. This is both the law and common sense—so make sure you’re following it next time you’re out on the roads.

7 . Not Clearing Your Windshield

Before heading out on a long drive, take a few minutes to clear your windshield of any snow, ice, or debris. This will help improve your visibility and make it easier to spot potential hazards on the road ahead—including other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, etc.. Failing to do so could result in an accident or even a ticket if police officers spot the debris on your windshield while they’re patrolling..

8 . Driving Distracted

Texting while driving is perhaps the most dangerous driving mistakes that motorists can do behind the wheel—but it’s far from the only form of distracted driving.. Eating, drinking, talking on the phone (even hands-free), fiddling with music players or navigation systems; all of these activities take your attention away from driving and increase your chances of being involved in an accident.. If something can wait until later, don’t do it while behind the wheel..

There are eight common driving mistakes that far too many motorists are guilty of making.. From failing to use mirrors properly to speeding and tailgating; these mistakes can cost you dearly—in money , in points on your license , and even in lives. So pay attention and make sure you’re not making any of these driving faux pas next time you’re out on the roads. If you get into an accident as a result of the driving mistakes and require emergency towing in Sacramento then give us a call. Thanks for reading!

-Blog Credit: Towing Lead